The injury is a big blow to the Tribe, who enter Sunday 2.5 back of the Minnesota Twins for first in the AL Central. Ramirez started the season slow, but has was hitting .327 in the second half.

After the game Indians manager Terry Francona said that the injury to the wrist wasn’t new, but he was not sure if it was the same place that had been giving Ramirez issues.

“His wrist had been bothering him,” Francona said following Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Royals.

“I’m not sure if this is in the same place, that’s what kind of worried us a little bit.”

Mike Freeman replaced Ramirez at third in Saturday’s game. Freeman finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored.

With the team having an open roster spot, the team has recalled INF Yu Chang from AAA Columbus, and Chang will hit 7th in the Indians lineup.

The @Indians Jose Ramirez suffered a fracture of his hamate bone of his right hand. These almost always require surgery (to remove fragments) in baseball players. RTP 4-6 weeks. No long term effects. @TheFantasyDRS

Matt Loede has been a part of the Cleveland Sports Media for over 21 years, with experience covering Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, the National Football League and even high school and college events. He has been a part of the Cleveland Indians coverage since the opening of Jacobs/Progressive Field in 1994, and spent two and a half years covering the team for 92.3 The Fan, and covers them daily for Associated Press Radio. You can follow Matt on Twitter HERE.